'Naked' consul general recalled to SA
2013-03-12 09:50
Pretoria - South Africa's consul general in Shanghai, China,
has been recalled after reports that he walked along the streets of Shanghai in
the nude.
According to an official statement, Lassy Chiwayo was back
in South Africa for health reasons, reported Beeld.
“I don’t know about the nude walking around and other
allegations but I can say that South Africa’s consul-general in Shanghai is
back in the country due to health-related matters. He is currently getting
treatment,’ said Clayson Monyela, spokesperson for the department of
international relations and co-operation.
Chiwayo had been back in SA for some time.
Sunday World reported that Chiwayo was recalled because he
embarrassed South Africa.
He allegedly walked around the streets next to his official
residence in Shanghai naked about three months ago, and is also alleged to have
assaulted SA's ambassador to China, Bheki Langa, at a function in Beijing.
However, Chiwayo dismissed these claims, telling Sunday
World that the reports were news to him.
A source said the former mayor of Mbombela was under huge
stress due to death threats that he had apparently received for revealing
corruption in Mpumalanga before his China posting.
His house in Mpumalanga was mysteriously burnt down last
month.
